Nov. 1 – Kick Off Homecoming with Two Traditions 

WSSU is starting Homecoming a little differently this year. Rather than taking place on game day, the annual parade and Lighting of the Sign ceremony will open the weeklong celebration on Sunday, Nov. 1. Here's the details:

WSSU Homecoming Parade. 2–5 p.m. The parade’s expanded route begins at Research Parkway and Fifth Street before heading into the heart of campus. The Red Sea of Sound headlines a lively procession of bands, floats, student and alumni groups, and community organizations. The parade is free to attend.

Lighting of the Sign.  5–8 p.m. The celebration continues at Bowman Gray Stadium immediately after the parade with music, food trucks, stepper and student performances, cheerleaders, and the Red Sea of Sound. The evening builds toward the lighting of WSSU’s iconic sign at nightfall—a beloved tradition and high-energy sendoff into Homecoming Week. Admission is free.

Official WSSU Homecoming Events to Know

WSSU’s official Homecoming calendar stretches well beyond Sunday’s festivities and Saturday’s football game, with concerts, campus traditions, and celebrations filling the week. The highlights below offer a good place to start, but they represent only part of the lineup. Check WSSU’s official Homecoming calendar for the full schedule and latest details.

Nov. 3

The Livest Homecoming Concert at LJVM. 7–10 p.m. Rob49, Big Boogie, and YKNiece headline WSSU’s biggest concert of the week. Held at LJVM Coliseum; doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $65–$75, plus fees, and parking is free. 

Nov. 4

The Ram Market Darty — Student Vendor Fair. Noon–3 p.m. This daytime campus market spotlights student entrepreneurs alongside local vendors, food, and music. It offers a casual way to support student businesses and experience the midweek Homecoming atmosphere. Held along the Thompson Center Breezeway; admission is free.

Nov. 5

Homecoming Community Stage. 3–7 p.m. DJ Von Dutch brings music, flashback favorites, food, and fellowship to the WSSU campus during this Thursday afternoon gathering. Held at WSSU's Thompson Center area; admission is free.

Greasy Red Spoon Vendor Fair. (multiple dates). Browse merchandise from local and regional vendors and choose from an assortment of food trucks during this free, three-day Homecoming tradition. 

►Note: The Vendor Fair is Nov. 5–7 at the Thompson Center Clock Tower.  ours are Thursday, 4–8 p.m.; Friday, noon–8 p.m.; Saturday, 4–8 p.m.; 

The Royal Coronation: When I Think of Home. 7–9 p.m. This formal evening crowns WSSU’s Homecoming King, Queen, and Royal Court. Check the event listing for ticket and reservation updates. Held at C.E. Gaines Center; ticket required

Nov. 6

Wreath Laying and Founder’s Day Convocation. 9:45 a.m.–noon. This meaningful annual gathering honors WSSU founder Dr. Simon Green Atkins and the vision that continues to shape the university. The program also recognizes distinguished alumni and celebrates the 25th- and 50th-anniversary classes. Held at downtown's Benton Convention Center. Admission is free

Ram Rave Pep Rally. 2–6 p.m. The Pit’s outdoor courts come alive with the Red Sea of Sound, Powerhouse Cheerleaders, DJ Von Dutch, and performances by Soultriii and Alter Egos. Held at 'The Pit,' WSSU's outdoor rec area.

The Livest Step Show. 6–11 p.m. One of the signature events of Homecoming Week brings a high-energy step competition and concert to the C.E. Gaines Center. Tickets required.

The R.E.T. Gala — Ram Excellence & Tradition. 10 p.m.–2 a.m. This black-tie-preferred celebration honors notable Rams while raising support for the university. Expect an elevated late-night gathering centered on alumni, culture, and WSSU tradition. Held at WSSU's Anderson Center; tickets start at $25.

Nov. 8

The 4th Quarter: Student/Alumni Basketball Game. 1–5 p.m. Keep the celebration going Sunday with a spirited student-vs.-alumni game featuring entertainment, Ram pride, and a charitable purpose. Proceeds benefit The 4th Quarter Foundation. Held at C.E. Gaines Center; tickets are $5.

What to Know for Gameday

Homecoming culminates Saturday, Nov. 7, when WSSU faces Fayetteville State at Bowman Gray Stadium at 1:30 p.m. The 2026 season also marks a homecoming for former Rams QB Tory Woodbury, who won CIAA titles with WSSU in 1999 and 2000, is back at his alma mater as head coach.

Tickets: General admission is currently listed at $51.50, with a ticket-and-parking package available for $76.50. Tickets are digital, and sales are cashless. Buy tickets and view the stadium map.

Parking and shuttles: One of the easiest options is free satellite parking at Innovation Quarter, 611 N. Research Parkway, with continuous shuttle service to the stadium area. WSSU parking locations will use digital payment, and cash will not be accepted. Parking passes may also be available at entrance gates on game day, depending on availability.

Gameday tips: Expect heavy traffic around campus and Bowman Gray Stadium. Arrive early, follow temporary signs and parking personnel, and avoid parking along residential streets. Find complete parking, shuttle, accessibility, and traffic information on WSSU’s Homecoming page.

Homecoming Celebrations Around Town

WSSU’s official calendar is only part of the Homecoming picture. Alumni groups, local venues, and event companies host day parties, reunions, and late-night celebrations around the city. Many happen at the same time, so consider these options rather than a single itinerary.

Nov. 6

I’m So SU Alumni Day Party. 3–7 p.m. Geared toward the 30-and-older crowd, this afternoon gathering at Bar Nola is hosted by B Daht, Fat, Julio, O, and the RAMteenth Crew, with music by CP the People’s Champ. Ticketed; pricing details TBD.

RAM DAY XVII: Homecoming Family Affair. 4–9 p.m. Held at ROAR downtown, the long-running gathering returns for its 17th year with DJ Skillz and live go-go music from D.C.’s Da’One Band. The 30-plus event welcomes alumni, friends, family, and fellow Rams. Tickets start at $18

The Day Party — WSSU Homecoming. 4–9 p.m. Held at the Historic Brookstown Inn, this afternoon party at the brings Homecoming festivities to one of Winston-Salem’s most distinctive historic hotels, offering another option for socializing before the evening events begin. Tickets are $28.

Chicken Day Party. The 1892Crew revives the Chicken Day experience at Platinum Nightlife with a nostalgia-filled “party with a purpose” celebrating WSSU and the traditions longtime Rams remember. Tickets start at $23

2nd Annual Ram Reunion: Kickoff Party. 9:30 p.m.–2 a.m. Friday’s late-night lineup includes a party at Bar Nola, just outside downtown in the West End Millworks complex. It features the DJ Cleve Show in the ballroom and live R&B from saxophonist Shableek in the bar lounge.  Tickets are $23.

Nov. 7

The Finale: All Black Affair. 9 p.m.–2 a.m. Close out Saturday with an upscale, all-black-attire celebration at Truist Stadium, home of the Winston-Salem Dash. The ticketed party features hip-hop artist Chubb Rock serving as special guest host.

These independently organized events are not part of WSSU’s official Homecoming lineup. Schedules, prices, age requirements, and availability can change, so check each event listing before making plans.

  
Plan Your Homecoming Weekend

Once the major events are on your calendar, a little advance planning can make the rest of the weekend easier—from booking a room to finding places to eat and explore between celebrations.

Find Your Stay

More than two dozen hotels sit within a few miles of Bowman Gray Stadium, ranging from distinctive boutique stays to familiar, budget-friendly names. Downtown offers the largest concentration. For a closer look at some favorite options, check out our Hotels Near WSSU guide, which highlights a dozen well-reviewed places to stay within a 10-minute drive of campus.

Wherever you choose to stay, book early: Wake Forest’s Homecoming falls on the same weekend, with both universities hosting football games Saturday, Nov. 7.

Eat, Drink and Explore

Whether you’re joining an organized tailgate or putting together your own, our Winston-Salem Gameday Guide can help with everything from where to stock up to restaurants near the stadium. It also rounds up local nightlife and attractions worth exploring between Homecoming events.

Still have room in the schedule? Browse our Things to Do page and online Events calendar for attractions, arts, nightlife, live music, and more happening across the city.